After nine of the first 12 games are played at home, the Raptors will play 14 of the next 22 on the road.

The extended early stay at home can’t be a bad thing for a team that is still considered young by NBA standards.

But don’t count on seeing the team around these parts through the Christmas break, either ... other than on your television.

The World Junior tournament has the Air Canada Centre booked over Christmas and through New Year’s, meaning the Raptors are on the road from Dec. 22 and don’t come home again until Jan. 8.

Another big change for the Raptors are game starts at home. Traditionally, the Raps have started weekday games at 7 p.m., but have moved that back to 7:30 to accommodate those fighting the ever-increasing traffic on the way in and out of the city.